Arsene Wenger was accused on Thursday of "moaning like a drain" as
fellow Premier League managers dismissed his complaints about both the
Wolverhampton Wanderers team that faced Manchester United and the fixture
schedule.

Under fire: Arsenal's Arsene Wenger has come under attack by rival Premier League managers Photo: AFP

The Arsenal manager is unhappy that Arsenal went to Burnley on Wednesday and then on Saturday face Hull City, who had no midweek match.

He also maintains that Wolves manager Mick McCarthy has caused "a problem for the international credibility of the Premier League" by making 10 midweek changes against Manchester United from the team that had beaten Tottenham last Saturday.

"Wenger is moaning like a drain because it doesn't suit Arsenal," said Tony Pulis, the Stoke City manager. "He ain't moaning because it doesn't suit Stoke.

"The players Mick played, most of them are seasoned professionals – he hasn't played the youth team. There is one important point here and that is that Mick McCarthy will do whatever he thinks is best for Wolves."

Of the fixtures, Pulis said: "No disrespect to Wenger or any foreign manager but I don't think there's nothing wrong with asking professional athletes to perform twice in three or four days. Sometimes it goes for you, sometimes against."

A Premier League spokesman said the schedule had been complicated this season by the World Cup but was as fair as possible to all the clubs.

Hull City manager Phil Brown pointed to the comparative size of his squad. "We have had a free time of it, so everyone tells me – but as far as we are concerned it has been nose to the grindstone," he said.

"This league is physiologically brutal. It does take its toll, there is no doubt. Rest and recuperation is key.

"We've probably [got] the third or fourth smallest squad in the league. In the top half some of these teams boast 50 or 60 players. With that in mind I can't see any problem with two or three games a week. Games are the best way to keep fit."

Of McCarthy, Brown said: "I think Mick is well within his rights. I know it was drastic, the fact he made 10 changes, but who is to say what is Mick's strongest team?

!He has identified two games in a three-game period where he can possibly get points, Manchester United not being one of them. It is the season-long aim of Mick McCarthy and Wolves to be in the Premier League for another year."

It is Hull's first visit to the Emirates since last season's FA Cup quarter-final ended in allegations that Cesc Fabregas spat in the direction of Brian Horton.

Fabregas denied the accusation and was cleared by the FA, but will miss tomorrow's match with a hamstring injury. Wenger believes the problem is "not long-term" and will have Denilson available instead.